Pityriasis versicolor: those patches that appear after summer

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a yeast called Malassezia that lives naturally on the skin; it is not contagious, nor is it a sign of poor hygiene. With heat, humidity, sweat, or oilier skin, it can proliferate and cause lighter, darker, or pinkish patches on the chest, back, shoulders, and neck, sometimes accompanied by itching.

Treatment usually involves topical antifungals and, in extensive or recurrent cases, oral medication. One key point: even with successful treatment, the patches may take weeks or months to regain their color, and relapses are common because the organism lives on our skin. When patches keep coming back or cause itching, it is worth confirming the diagnosis and adjusting the treatment.